Wedding planning is like planning a Broadway theatre show. It is chaotic, and expensive if you don’t play your tunes right. Today, the average wedding costs around $30,000 in 2025. Every dollar counts now in today’s time. Trying to get a thrill and joy at a wedding that defines your life ahead is no easy decision. So, what’s the secret to a balanced wedding budget? Knowing where to splurge for maximum wow-factor and where to save without anyone noticing is key. Here’s your ultimate guide to stretching your wedding budget while still throwing a day that feels like a million bucks.

10 Things to Splurge Vs Save On Your Wedding Budget

1. Venue: Splurge

Your venue is a theatre stage of the show. It’s where your love story is played out. A jaw-dropping location, whether it’s a cliffside vineyard or a chic urban loft, sets the mood and makes logistics a smooth affair. You should spend more on a venue with built-in perks like in-house catering, tables, or dreamy backdrops. While you can cut down on décor costs. Just imagine: a historic estate with twinkling chandeliers that screams romance, so you barely need extra lighting. Venues like these often come with seasoned staff who prevent chaos, like ensuring your wedding cake doesn’t melt in the sun (or the bright interior lighting, but that’s a bit too much!).

Why it’s worth it: A stellar venue wows guests and reduces stress.

Pro Tip: Book 12-18 months out for prime dates and negotiate off-peak discounts (think Friday or Sunday weddings). Check sites like eVentGuru for all-inclusive packages that bundle venue, food, and more for less.

2. Invitations: Save

Let’s be real. Those gold-foil, hand-calligraphed invites look gorgeous until you see the $1,000 price tag. Worse, half your guests toss them after RSVPing. So, why not save and go digital with a sleek e-invitation from us at eVentGuru? Want that invitation charm even as a digital image? Use our budget-friendly platform for minimalist designs that still feel luxe. We once helped a couple craft chic postcard-style invites. The guests raved, and the savings went straight to their honeymoon fund.

How to nail it: Focus on clear info and a design that matches your theme and venue vibe. Skip extras like vellum wraps or custom stamps.

Pro Tip: Use our Digital e-invitations to handle RSVPs and details, cutting printing costs entirely. Save the environment, side-by-side.

3. Photography/Videography: Splurge

Your wedding day will flash by faster than you can say “I do,” but photos and videos let you relive every tearful vow and goofy dance move. Such is the power of photography to arrest time and moment. And so, splurging on a pro photographer—someone who knows how to capture your partner’s shy smile in golden-hour light—is non-negotiable. Same goes for a videographer who can edit your first dance into a cinematic masterpiece. If you don’t spend, you may invite risks such as blurry shots or missing moments (like that Aunt Linda’s epic speech). We once heard a wedding tale of some friend’s DIY photographer who forgot to charge their camera. Disaster!

Why it’s worth it: These are your forever memories.

Pro Tip: Book a seasoned pro for 6-8 hours of coverage, then hire a student photographer for cheaper engagement shoots. Check portfolios on Instagram or Zola to find talent within your budget. You can also search our vendors list at eVentGuru to see the best shots.

4. Flowers: Save

Flowers are the divas of wedding décor—stunning but oh-so-pricey. Exotic peonies or oversized rose arches can cost thousands. Instead, save by choosing local, in-season blooms like daisies or sunflowers, which are just as charming. Mix in budget-friendly greenery like ferns or eucalyptus for lush, full arrangements. One couple we know used potted herbs as centerpieces—cute, affordable, and doubled up as guest favors. Repurpose ceremony florals (like aisle petals) for reception tables to stretch your budget.

How to nail it: Work with a local florist who sources wholesale, or hit up farmers’ markets for DIY bouquets. Search our vendors list where you may find useful contacts.

Pro Tip: Add candles, lanterns, or fairy lights for ambiance that outshines pricey floral installs.

5. Food and Beverage: Splurge

Nothing says “unforgettable wedding” like a mouthwatering meal and a killer cocktail. Spend good on a caterer who can whip up crowd-pleasers, from gourmet sliders to vegan tacos that even carnivores love. If your venue offers in-house dining, that’s often a budget win! How about plated dinners or family-style feasts that feel indulgent? Why not? An open bar with a signature drink (like a “Blushing Bride” margarita) keeps the party buzzing with excitement. Don’t be surprised to see guests rave about a late-night taco truck more than the ceremony itself!

Why it’s worth it: Great food creates happy guests. Search for the best vendors and venues who have such offers on our platform at eVentGuru.

Pro Tip: Cap bar costs by offering beer, wine, and one cocktail, or close the bar during dinner to slow consumption.

6. Wedding Attire: Save

That designer gown or bespoke tux might be the center of attention on your wedding day, but does it make sense to spend $5,000 on something you’ll wear once? Ouch. You should save by shopping in discounted sales (think 50-70% off), renting from sites we have listed in our directory or buying pre-owned dresses. For example, one bride we had as our client scored a Vera Wang gown for $800—flawless after alterations. For suits, rentals or off-the-rack options from Men’s Wearhouse work wonders. Borrow heirloom jewelry or shop minimalist accessories for that final sparkle.

How to nail it: Spend on tailoring to make any outfit look custom.

Pro Tip: Check local bridal consignment shops or trunk shows in our eVentGuru directory for deals on designer looks.

7. Entertainment: Splurge

Do you want your reception to feel like the best concert ever? Don’t hesitate to loosen your pockets for a killer entertainment. A live band brings electric energy— your guests will hum with the “Sweet Caroline” tune at midnight in their beds. If that’s too pricey, a seasoned DJ who reads the room and keeps the dance floor packed is just as epic. Professionals also emcee smoothly, cueing cake cuttings or bouquet tosses without awkward pauses, with background music that effortlessly blends into the mood. A great DJ can turn a shy crowd into a conga line in minutes.

Why it’s worth it: Music sets the party’s pulse. Find out the best DJs at eVentGuru.

Pro Tip: Ask for a shorter band set (2 hours vs. 4) or a DJ with their own lighting to save a bit.

8. Décor: Save

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect wonderland to woo guests. Save by leaning on your venue’s natural charm, e.g exposed brick or garden views. And focus on a few bold touches, like a neon “Just Married” sign or a DIY photo booth with thrift-store props. Rent linens, vases, or arches instead of buying, and repurpose ceremony décor (like aisle runners) for the reception. As an example, one couple used fairy lights and thrift-store mirrors for a magical vibe under $500!

How to nail it: Prioritize one ‘wow’ moment, like a statement chandelier, and keep the rest simple.

Pro Tip: Check eVentGuru for finding out best deals from vendors and also check Facebook Marketplace for gently used wedding décor at steep discounts.

9. Wedding Planner: Splurge

So, you think you can DIY your entire wedding? Maybe, but a planner is like a fairy godmother who makes chaos disappear in an instant. Splurging on a full or partial planner—or at least a day-of coordinator—means you’re not troubleshooting a missing caterer while zipping up your dress. They negotiate with vendors, manage timelines, and handle unexpected events (like rain during an outdoor vow exchange). So many examples of saving-the-day exist: A coordinator once saved a friend’s wedding when the florist delivered late—she rearranged the schedule on the fly.

Why it’s worth it: Peace of mind is priceless. Search for the best wedding planners at eVentGuru.

Pro Tip: If a full planner’s out of reach, hire a day-of coordinator for $1,000-$2,000 to keep things smooth.

10. Favors: Save

Wedding favors often end up forgotten on tables or stuffed in a drawer. Skip the monogrammed coasters or mini champagne bottles and save your budget for what guests really notice—like an epic dessert bar or extra dance time. If you want a takeaway, go for cheap-and-cheerful options: homemade jam, wildflower seeds, or a donation to a charity in guests’ names. One couple left handwritten thank-you notes at each seat—personal, free, and a total hit.

How to nail it: Focus on the guest experience over trinkets. At eVentGuru, you might want to check out wedding consultants. Why not?

Pro Tip: Create a communal favor, like a candy buffet, that doubles as décor and saves on packaging.

Final Thoughts

Save the dates and wedding invitations serve different purposes yet complement each other perfectly in bringing about easy experience to guests. Save the dates create anticipation and notification; wedding invitations illustrate in detail how the celebration would be. Therefore, guests are made welcome, informed and excited about big events through saving the dates.  

So yes-send that Save the Date-and then send them an invitation they won't forget. After all, it will be a life celebrated and what better way to begin than in style and mindful?